After my post, about MLS 2 teams, I was asked a question.
@jas_bai
on Twitter said:
“Good
job covering why the MLS 2 teams aren’t a major problem, but you didn’t touch
on a side like Wilmington taking on 7 NYCFC players for a one off game vs NYRB.
2 parts to this: they won and those 3 pts will be valuable IF they’re able to
make a run at the playoffs. 2) what do supporters of Wilm…or any other non-MLS
2 teams feel when they have players dropped in? I don’t want Clt or Colorado to
do it because I want to support my guys, not some players that will only be
there once and never see again.”
The question
is so multifaceted (and I’m so long winded) that my answer was too long to fit
into 140 character incraments, so I’ve decided to write it here.
As far
as points are concerned, USL rules allow for any number of loans to come at any
time in the season for any length of time. Playoffs are the only time when
stipulations apply. Any team with an MLS affiliate has the opportunity to use
this rule to their advantage in any way they want. If utilizing loans ends up assisting
the Hammerheads, or any other teams for that matter, make the playoffs, the
team would not have broken any rules.
From a
supporters perspective it’s a little more hazy. To be honest, I do find it odd
to look at a roster and see unfamiliar names. I would prefer loans such as they
were last year where players like Quillian Roberts, Daniel Lovitz, Jordan
Hamilton, Mark-Anthony Kaye, and Manu Aparicio had long stints with the
Hammerheads (I prefer this way because it allowed me to really get to know the
ability of said players and build confidence in them. Now, when I see that a
loaned player is on the roster, I find myself wondering if the loans are any
good and hoping they won’t mess things up. So far, there haven’t been any
disastrous loans, and the fact that the loans are signed with NYCFC speaks at
least a little to their credibility as players.), but I don’t think those kinds
of loans are necessary for the club right now. Last year, the Hammerheads had
less players. Without loans, the Hammerheads only had goalie in the 2014
season, so loans at that time were a necessity to account for unexpected
injuries and suspensions. This year, there is more squad depth. Since there are
so many signed Hammerheads, I don’t see the need for long term loans. When the
Hammerheads played NYRBII, the team had just played Richmond a few days before.
That was a perfect time to utilize loans. The NYCFC players didn’t have to
travel far their desired minutes, and most of the Hammerheads were able to rest
for a game.
I don’t
like to think of NYCFC loans and signed Hammerheads as “their players and our
players.” I see it like this: NYCFC and WHFC have entered into a partnership
for the mutual benefit of both teams. There are some NYCFC players who could
use extra minutes from time to time, and the Hammerheads can provide it. NYCFC
has invited a few Hammerheads (Corben Bone and Ashani Fairclogh to be exact) to
train with their team. Both teams are abiding by the rules of their respective
leagues, and both clubs are doing things that benefit each other. It’s up to each
individual USL club to determine how they will interact with their MLS
affiliate. If getting seven loans for the one day is what the WHFC organization
wants to do, I’m fine with that. It resulted in a win for the club I support,
and a win without red cards or rule breaking is perfectly okay with me.
--Marissa
Blackman
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